â–¼ Thursday, December 25

Trump-endorsed candidate Nasry Asfura wins Honduras presidential election after vote contest.
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Honduran election authorities have certified conservative Nasry Asfura as the winner of the country's presidential race, with backing from President Donald Trump. Asfura, a former mayor of Tegucigalpa and candidate of the National Party, secured the presidency with 40.27% of the vote. The election process was drawn-out and contentious, testing confidence in Honduras' electoral system. Asfura defeated Salvador Nasralla and Rixi Ramona Moncada Godoy in a polarized campaign, shifting Central America's political landscape. The 67-year-old Asfura edged out Nasralla with a narrow margin in a vote that took weeks to conclude.
  • Trump-endorsed candidate wins Honduras election after weeks of contesting votes
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote
    www.npr.org
  • Trump-backed candidate Asfura wins Honduras presidential election
    www.foxnews.com
  • Trump-backed conservative declared winner of Honduras presidential election
    nypost.com
  • Honduras Declares Nasry Asfura, Trump Ally, Winner of Presidential Election
    www.nytimes.com
Trump supporters criticize musician for canceling holiday concert at Kennedy Center due to rebranding with Trump's name.
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Chuck Redd canceled his annual "Christmas Eve Jazz Jam" show at the Kennedy Center in protest after President Trump's name was added to the venue by the board of directors, chaired by the President.
  • Trump fans blast musician who canceled holiday concert to protest Kennedy Center rebrand: ‘Super bad TDS’
    nypost.com
  • Christmas Eve jazz concert canceled at Kennedy Center after Trump name added to building
    www.foxnews.com
  • Kennedy Center’s Christmas Eve Jazz Show Canceled After Trump Name Added to Building
    www.nytimes.com
Pope Leo calls for compassion, dialogue, and end to violence in Christmas messages, urging action against suffering and conflicts.
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Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas message, emphasizing the suffering in Gaza, Yemen, and among migrants, while calling for peace in troubled regions like Lebanon, Ukraine, and Syria. During his Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, he condemned the senselessness of war and urged compassion for those in need. The pontiff's address urged world leaders to reject violence and embrace dialogue, drawing comparisons to his predecessor, Pope Francis. Despite rainy conditions, thousands of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Square and the basilica to hear his message.
  • The pope urges the faithful on Christmas to shed indifference in the face of suffering
    www.npr.org
  • Pope Leo delivers first Christmas Eve Mass, calls for compassion toward Palestinians and refugees
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Pope Leo XIV delivers first Christmas message calling for end to violence in Middle East, Russia-Ukraine war
    www.foxnews.com
  • Pope Leo Makes Christmas Call for Dialogue to Address World’s Conflicts
    www.nytimes.com
  • WATCH: Pope Leo XIV set to lead his first Christmas Eve mass
    abcnews.go.com
Arkansas Powerball player wins $1.817 billion jackpot on Christmas Eve, making it an unforgettable holiday for the lucky winner.
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A single ticket won the second-largest US lottery jackpot ever on Christmas Eve, with the prize estimated to be worth $1.7 billion. This marked the end of a three-month stretch without a winner, and the final ticket sales pushed the jackpot to its historic level. The Powerball drawing on Christmas Eve is anticipated to bring holiday cheer to millions of players aiming to cash in on the massive prize.
  • Jingle bills: Arkansas Powerball player strikes $1.8bn jackpot on Christmas Eve
    www.bbc.com
  • A Powerball player in Arkansas has won a $1.817 billion lottery jackpot
    www.npr.org
  • Winner in Arkansas Takes $1.817 Billion Powerball Jackpot
    www.nytimes.com
  • Did anyone win $1.7B Powerball jackpot? Winning numbers in Christmas Eve drawing
    abcnews.go.com
  • Last night's Powerball created several new millionaires, but no billionaire winner
    www.latimes.com
Summary: 2025 was marked by political feuds in Washington, major events, Trump's influence, and Asia's successes and challenges.
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In 2025, President Donald Trump's second term was marked by significant political controversies, including the longest government shutdown in history and mass deportation operations. The year is ending with a review of the highlights, lowlights, and events yet to be determined. Many of the major events of the year are connected to President Trump, including protests and an election cycle. For many, the year could not end soon enough.
  • The iciest moments of 2025: The 5 political feuds that froze Washington
    www.foxnews.com
  • The biggest political events of 2025
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Opinion | 2025: The Year of Trump
    www.wsj.com
  • Asia’s year in review: Who had it best — and who had it worst — in 2025
    www.cnbc.com
Trump sends Merry Christmas message, lists accomplishments, answers kids' Santa calls, and praises coal and 'high IQ' person.
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President Trump delivered a Christmas Eve message where he wished all Americans a Merry Christmas, including a mention of "the Radical Left Scum." He spent the holidays at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where he attended a private dinner and participated in NORAD's Santa tracker calls. Trump's messages included both attacks on political opponents and a focus on faith and Jesus Christ. He also praised children's intelligence and coal during the calls.
  • Trump wishes all – including ‘Radical Left Scum’ – a Merry Christmas 
    nypost.com
  • Trump lists accomplishments, says 'Radical Left Scum' are 'failing badly' in Christmas message
    www.foxnews.com
  • Trump sends special ‘Merry Christmas’ message to ‘Radical Left Scum’
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Where is Santa now? Trump answers kids' Christmas calls to Norad tracker
    www.bbc.com
US troops abroad celebrate Christmas with scavenger hunts, Christmas mass, and Cajun-fried turkey. Cabinet Secretaries share their holiday traditions.
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U.S. troops stationed overseas are celebrating the holidays with new traditions, special meals, and community events across the Pacific region. House lawmakers emphasize the importance of family, friends, and showing care during this time. Meanwhile, Cabinet members are marking the holidays with official events in Washington and personal family traditions.
  • How US troops celebrate Christmas abroad
    www.foxnews.com
  • Scavenger hunts, Christmas mass, Cajun-fried turkey: Capitol Hill's favorite holiday traditions
    www.foxnews.com
  • Here’s how the Cabinet Secretaries and their families celebrate the holidays
    www.foxnews.com
North Korea reveals images of nuclear-powered submarine development, unveiling completed hull.
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North Korea has made progress in developing a nuclear-powered submarine, as seen in new photos. Kim Jong Un has criticized South Korea's efforts in this regard. This development comes after North Korea's test of a new surface-to-air missile and the arrival of a U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarine in South Korea for a port call.
  • North Korea releases images of development of nuclear-powered submarine
    www.foxnews.com
  • ​North Korea Unveils the Completed Hull of What It Calls a Nuclear Submarine
    www.nytimes.com
January Social Security payments start in 20 days, with $994 direct payments in six days.
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In 20 days, the first round of January Social Security payments for retirees, capped at $5,108, will be issued. Retirees born on or before the 10th of a month will receive this payment on Jan. 14. The second round of payments will be sent out on Jan. 21. Additionally, January 2026 Supplemental Security Income payments, up to $994, will be issued to recipients in six days, on Dec. 31.
  • First round of January Social Security payments goes out in 20 days
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • January Social Security direct payment worth $994 goes out in six days
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
California faces heavy rains and floods on Christmas Day, leading to a flood emergency with mudslides and debris in southern California.
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Southern California faces the risk of deadly floods due to heavy rains that are expected to continue throughout the week. Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for parts of California, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego. The wet Christmas is anticipated to persist through the weekend, with Wednesday being highlighted as the most intense day of rain.
  • Heavy Rains and Floods Threaten California on Christmas Day
    www.nytimes.com
  • WATCH: Flood emergency in California
    abcnews.go.com
  • Watch: Mudslides, flooding and debris - storms batter southern California
    www.bbc.com
  • Southern Californians brave the elements for last-minute shopping: 'It feels Christmas-y'
    www.latimes.com
DOJ delays Epstein files release, finding over 1 million more documents, needing 'a few more weeks'.
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The Justice Department has announced a delay in releasing records on Jeffrey Epstein due to discovering over a million additional documents. Democratic lawmakers have criticized the Trump administration for not meeting the deadline set by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The release of the files may take a few more weeks.
  • DOJ says it may need a 'few more weeks' to finish releasing Epstein files
    www.npr.org
  • A Million More Epstein Documents Have Been Found, Justice Dept. Says
    www.nytimes.com
  • DOJ discovers more than 1M potential Epstein records, further delaying file release
    www.foxnews.com
  • Trump administration won’t complete Epstein files release for ‘a few more weeks’
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • DOJ says it has 'over a million more' documents potentially related to Epstein
    abcnews.go.com
Russia is expected to reject the new US-Ukrainian peace plan despite progress made by Ukraine and the US.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revised a peace proposal to include security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. The proposal involves demilitarizing 30% of the Donbas region still occupied by Kyiv and turning it into an "economic zone." Ukraine and the US are close to finalizing a 20-point security framework, with Zelensky reporting 90% agreement on guarantees. Zelensky also included a demilitarized zone in the eastern Donetsk region as part of the latest peace agreement proposal with Russia.
  • Why Russia Is Likely to Reject the New US-Ukrainian Peace Plan
    www.nytimes.com
  • WATCH: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy says all sides 'much closer' to peace deal
    abcnews.go.com
  • Ukraine agrees to demilitarized economic zone in Donbas to advance Trump’s peace plan
    nypost.com
  • Ukraine, US near 20-point peace deal as Putin spurns Zelenskyy Christmas ceasefire offer
    www.foxnews.com
  • Zelensky offers demilitarized zone in Donetsk as US pushes Ukraine and Russia to compromise
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
19 states are suing HHS over plans to restrict gender transition treatment for minors, aiming to block the White House's proposal.
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A group of 19 Democrat-led states, along with the District of Columbia, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a declaration that could restrict access to gender transition treatments for minors. They are seeking to stop the administration's efforts to cut off federal funding to hospitals that provide gender-affirming care for young people.
  • Nearly 20 states sue HHS over declaration to restrict gender transition treatment for minors
    www.foxnews.com
  • 19 states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care
    www.npr.org
  • 19 States Sue to Block White House Plan to End Gender-Related Care for Minors
    www.nytimes.com
Thieves attempted to steal an ATM from a Texas convenience store on Christmas Eve, dragging it through the store in a robbery caught on camera.
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Thieves in Texas tried to steal an ATM from a 7-Eleven using a stolen SUV and cable on Christmas Eve, but the machine broke free. The White Settlement Police Department is looking for two suspects involved in the attempted theft.
  • Watch: Thieves drag ATM through Texas convenience store in Christmas Eve theft attempt
    www.foxnews.com
  • Watch: Moment robbers rip ATM from inside Texas store
    www.bbc.com
Sebastian Telfair shares jail experience with Sean 'Diddy' Combs. Combs appeals for prompt prison release.
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Former NBA guard Sebastian Telfair, who recently served time for a probation violation, discussed his prison experience with Sean "Diddy" Combs. Combs is challenging his own sentence, claiming it was improperly decided, and is seeking to have his conviction overturned.
  • Former NBA player Sebastian Telfair recounts jail stint alongside Sean 'Diddy' Combs
    www.foxnews.com
  • Sean 'Diddy' Combs files appeal asking for immediate prison release
    www.bbc.com
ICE agents shot a van driver in Maryland after he allegedly tried to run them over. Two people were injured in the incident.
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Federal immigration officials opened fire on a vehicle in Maryland during a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Glen Burnie. The driver, an immigrant from Portugal, allegedly tried to run over ICE agents, resulting in a crash that hospitalized him and another man. Two people were wounded in the incident, which occurred on Christmas Eve.
  • Man Shot in ICE Confrontation in Maryland, Officials Say
    www.nytimes.com
  • ICE agents open fire on van driver who allegedly tried to run them over on Christmas Eve
    www.foxnews.com
  • ICE shooting near Baltimore leaves two injured after agency says car was used as weapon
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • 2 wounded in shooting involving ICE agents
    abcnews.go.com
White House celebrates significant decrease in annual murders. FBI reports double violent crime arrests under Trump compared to Biden.
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The Trump administration is touting a significant decrease in violent crime rates in the United States as a result of President Trump's tough-on-crime policies. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt referenced a report by Axios that revealed a notable increase in violent crime arrests during the administration, with the number almost doubling from 6,000-7,000 annually to nearly 14,000 in the first year.
  • White House touts historic drop in annual murders
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • FBI violent crime arrests double in Trump's first year compared to Biden record: 'Massive strides'
    www.foxnews.com
DC shooting suspect's case moved to federal court, death penalty possible. New charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal open door to death penalty.
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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused of killing a National Guard member in a Washington, D.C. shooting case, has been charged with two firearm offenses by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Prosecutors claim that Lakanwal attempted to purchase additional guns before the attack on American troops on November 26, and the new federal charges could potentially result in the death penalty.
  • DC shooting suspect case moved to federal court, death penalty can be weighed: Pirro
    abcnews.go.com
  • New charges against DC National Guard shooting suspect open death penalty door
    www.foxnews.com
  • Afghan DC National Guard shooting suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal faces death penalty after feds file new charges
    nypost.com

â–¼ Wednesday, December 24

Trump ordered a two-month 'quarantine' of Venezuelan oil tankers, leading to accusations of extortion from Venezuela. Tanker seizures disrupt oil exports.
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President Donald Trump has ordered a two-month "quarantine" of Venezuela's oil industry as part of the administration's pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The US Coast Guard is pursuing tankers carrying Venezuelan oil, and recent US actions against ships near Venezuela may encourage other countries to seize or detain ships. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was called to discuss the US seizure of two tankers, and Venezuela's oil exports have plummeted as a result of US actions against ships carrying its crude. President Trump has stated that the US intends to keep the tankers intercepted off the coast of Venezuela.
  • Trump reportedly ordered two-month ‘quarantine’ of Venezuelan oil
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • Trump’s Seizures of Oil Tankers Challenge Maritime Rules and Customs
    www.nytimes.com
  • Venezuela accuses US of 'extortion' over seizure of oil tankers
    www.bbc.com
  • Rep. Adam Smith says Trump's oil blockade is about power over Venezuela
    www.npr.org
  • US Coast Guard actively pursuing another sanctioned vessel: Official
    abcnews.go.com
Activists linked to LA bombing plot indicted on terrorism charges, targeting Southern California businesses on New Year's Eve.
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Four suspected members of an anti-government activist group have been indicted by a federal grand jury on terrorism-related charges for their involvement in a thwarted bombing plot targeting businesses in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve 2025. The suspects are accused of providing and attempting to provide material support for the planned attacks, which were disrupted by FBI agents. The individuals facing charges are Audrey Illeene Carroll, Zachary Aaron Page, Dante James Anthony-Gaffield, and Tina Cheng-Ting Lai.
  • Activists tied to LA bombing plot indicted on terrorism charges
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • 4 indicted in foiled New Year's Eve terror bombing plot targeting Southern California businesses
    www.foxnews.com
Bari Weiss criticizes '60 Minutes' piece delay. Trump attacks Stephen Colbert. Stephen Miller calls for CBS producers' firing. CBS omits White House statement. Pulled '60 Minutes' report circulates online.
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CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss expressed concerns about the fairness and comprehensiveness of a piece on CECOT in a memo to staff. President Trump criticized Stephen Colbert on Truth Social, calling him a "dead man walking" and urging CBS to "put him to sleep." White House deputy Stephen Miller called for the firing of "60 Minutes" producers over a shelved Trump deportation segment. The White House reportedly sent a statement to CBS that was not included in a controversial "60 Minutes" segment. CBS News held back a segment about Venezuelan men deported to a prison in El Salvador by the Trump administration, which later surfaced online.
  • Bari Weiss suggests CECOT '60 Minutes' piece she delayed wasn't 'fair' in memo to staffers
    www.foxnews.com
  • Pulled ’60 Minutes’ Report, Briefly Streamed in Canada, Is All Over the Internet Now
    www.nytimes.com
  • CBS defends pulling 60 Minutes segment about Trump deportations
    www.bbc.com
  • CBS News chief Bari Weiss pulls '60 Minutes' story, sparking outcry
    www.npr.org
350 National Guard troops are being sent to New Orleans by the Pentagon and Trump administration to address rising violent crime.
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Over 300 National Guard troops will be assisting law enforcement in New Orleans during Mardi Gras to address the increasing violent crime rates. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry praised President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for coordinating the deployment, expecting a positive impact. The deployment of 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans was announced by Gov. Landry and will last through February 2026, fulfilling a previous request. This deployment comes after Gov. Landry suggested earlier that the National Guard could help address crime in Louisiana.
  • Pentagon to send 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans as violent crime surges ahead of major events
    www.foxnews.com
  • Trump administration to send 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans
    nypost.com
  • Trump to deploy 350 National Guard troops to New Orleans in crime crackdown
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • National Guard Troops to Arrive in New Orleans
    www.nytimes.com
Two people, including an immigrant nurse, died in explosions at a Pennsylvania nursing home. Governor confirms at least two fatalities.
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Two people were killed and 20 others were wounded in an explosion and fire at a nursing home in eastern Pennsylvania. The facility had a history of poor ratings, citations, and fines from the federal government. The explosion caused part of the building to collapse, trapping people inside. Emergency responders worked to rescue individuals from the damaged structure, with five people still unaccounted for. The incident occurred as a utility crew was on site investigating a gas leak at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township, just outside Philadelphia.
  • Immigrant Nurse Is Among 2 Dead in Pennsylvania Nursing Home Explosions
    www.nytimes.com
  • 1 nursing home resident, 1 employee killed in fire, explosion
    abcnews.go.com
  • Explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home kills at least two, governor says
    www.washingtonexaminer.com
  • At least two dead in Pennsylvania nursing home explosion
    www.bbc.com
  • Explosion at a Pennsylvania nursing home kills at least 2, governor says
    www.npr.org
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore faced stress and rumors of an affair before being fired. He stopped talking to assistants and sent strange messages to women.
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Sherrone Moore, a former Michigan Wolverines football coach, faced rumors of an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, leading to stress and disputes with assistants. He was also accused of engaging in strange messages with multiple women on social media.
  • Fired Michigan coach Sherrone Moore was 'stressed out' as rumors swirled about affair: 'It was too obvious'
    www.foxnews.com
  • Sherrone Moore wasn't talking to assistants for 'weeks' before saga, cried during confrontation: report
    www.foxnews.com
  • Sherrone Moore accused of sending strange messages to multiple women amid controversy
    www.foxnews.com
Louisville players celebrate bowl game win with baked beans dive after late hit incident.
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Louisville won the Boca Raton Bowl against Toledo 27-22 despite chaos from a late hit. After the hard-fought victory, Louisville players celebrated by diving into a large bowl of baked beans on the field.
  • Wild brouhaha occurs during bowl game's final moments after late hit
    www.foxnews.com
  • Louisville players dive into massive bowl of baked beans after bowl game victory
    www.foxnews.com
California farming tycoon arrested for suspected murder of wife in Imperial Valley.
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California farming tycoon Michael Abatti has been arrested on a charge of murder for allegedly killing his estranged wife, Kerri Abatti, in an Arizona mountain town while they were going through a divorce.
  • California farming tycoon arrested in wife's killing
    www.foxnews.com
  • Imperial Valley farmer arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife
    www.latimes.com
Alito criticizes Supreme Court for blocking Trump's National Guard plan. Court ruling questions National Guard deployments. Trump sues Illinois Gov. Pritzker.
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The Supreme Court has temporarily halted President Trump's National Guard deployment in Chicago, with Justice Samuel Alito cautioning that this decision could hinder federal protection efforts. The Court's ruling, based on an argument not previously presented by any party involved, is seen as a setback for the Trump administration and may prompt more assertive actions. Additionally, the Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Illinois Governor Pritzker over state laws safeguarding migrants from detention at sensitive sites, citing the necessity of the deployment for the safety of immigration enforcement agents.
  • Alito rips Supreme Court majority as 'unwise' for blocking Trump's National Guard plan
    www.foxnews.com
  • How a Scholar Nudged the Supreme Court Toward Its Troop Deployment Ruling
    www.nytimes.com
  • US Supreme Court rejects Trump's bid to deploy National Guard to Chicago
    www.bbc.com
  • Supreme Court keeps block on National Guard deployment in Chicago
    abcnews.go.com
  • Supreme Court rules against Trump in National Guard case
    www.npr.org
Democrats caution that allowing Nvidia to sell AI chips to China could enhance China's military capabilities.
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Congressional Democrats are against NVIDIA's sale of advanced H200 chips to China, citing concerns about the threat it poses to U.S. military security.
  • Democrats warn Trump green-lighting Nvidia AI chip sales could boost China’s military edge
    www.foxnews.com
  • Democrats warn Trump green-lighting Nvidia AI chip sales could boost China’s military edge
    www.foxnews.com