News

2022 Midterm Elections: U.S. House of Representatives Update

Published

3 years ago

November 15, 2022

Veronica Dudo

Balance of power yet to be determined

The all-important 2022 Midterm Elections have come and gone—yet there are still several races that remain up for grabs.

The political weight of the midterm elections will decide what does or does not get done in Washington D.C over the next two years.

The eventual outcome will certainly make all the difference for President Joe Biden, whose legislative hopes ultimately rest on whether Democrats can push his agenda through an extremely partisan Congress.

Republicans are inching closer to capturing a majority of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

As of Monday, there are still 19 races yet to be called that will determine how close the margins could be for the party should it ultimately prevail.

To win a majority in the 435-seat body, a political party must win 218 seats.

Republicans are now projected to win control of the House after gaining seven seats: bringing their total to 212 seats so far.

Meanwhile, Democrats have 204 seats.

There are still multiple House races too close to call in California, New York, Oregon, Alaska, Arizona, and Maine.

News

U.S. keeps Greenland in focus as Rubio signals all options remain

US sharpens focus on Greenland; Rubio emphasizes ongoing strategic interest ahead of diplomatic talks with Denmark.

Published

3 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US sharpens focus on Greenland; Rubio emphasizes ongoing strategic interest ahead of diplomatic talks with Denmark.

The United States is sharpening its focus on Greenland, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming that Washington is keeping every option on the table. His comments come ahead of a high-level diplomatic meeting with Danish leaders next week.

The visit is seen as a signal of President Donald Trump’s ongoing strategic interest in the Arctic territory, which holds growing geopolitical and security significance as global competition in the region intensifies.

While the administration has not outlined specific next steps, the message from Washington is clear that Greenland remains firmly on the US agenda.

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#Greenland #USPolitics #MarcoRubio #Arctic #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy #WorldNews #Ticker

News

U.S. seizes Venezuelan oil tankers Marinera and Sophia amid legal turmoil

U.S. seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating efforts against oil smuggling and raising international legal concerns.

Published

3 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. seizes two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, escalating efforts against oil smuggling and raising international legal concerns.

In a dramatic escalation of its campaign against Venezuelan oil smuggling, the U.S. has seized two oil tankers linked to Caracas. The Russian-flagged Marinera — formerly known as the Bella-1 — was captured in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long chase by U.S. forces, who allege it was violating sanctions tied to Venezuelan and Iranian oil. This rare high-seas seizure has drawn international attention due to the change of flag and the involvement of Russian maritime interests.

Meanwhile, a second vessel, the Sophia, was taken in the Caribbean in a coordinated operation against alleged sanctioned shipments. U.S. authorities describe these moves as part of a broader effort to clamp down on illicit oil flows and enforce sanctions by interdicting vessels before they can deliver crude to sanctioned buyers. The Sophia was reportedly operating with its tracking systems off, a tactic used in “dark fleet” smuggling operations.
Defense News

While the White House defends the operations as necessary to uphold sanctions and curb illicit oil trafficking, legal experts and foreign governments — especially Russia — are questioning the legality of boarding and seizing foreign-flagged ships in international waters. The debate over maritime law and sanctions enforcement is heating up as the U.S. signals it will continue to aggressively target Venezuela’s oil network.

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#VenezuelaOil #USSeizure #Marinera #OilSmuggling #InternationalLaw #TrumpAdministration #GlobalPolitics

News

Venezuela’s opposition leader vows return and calls for free elections

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home as she renews calls for a free and fair election, despite ongoing political pressure and legal threats against her. Her return would mark a major test for the country’s fragile democratic movement.

Machado is currently under investigation by authorities aligned with President Nicolas Maduro, accused of inciting insurrection. Meanwhile, loyalists from Maduro’s Socialist Party continue to hold key positions of power, complicating efforts to shift Venezuela’s political direction.

She is also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, arguing it is a necessary first step towards restoring democracy and rebuilding trust in the country’s institutions.

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#Venezuela #MariaCorinaMachado #VenezuelaPolitics #FreeElections #Democracy #LatinAmerica #PoliticalPrisoners #TickerNews