November 24, 2025 – Short News

Trump increases the pressure - and the highest ranking US general appears in the Caribbean!!

The visit by General Dan Caine to Puerto Rico and to a warship marks the next escalation in the approach toward Venezuela. The United States has assembled an unusually large fleet in the region, while more than twenty boats have been destroyed and more than eighty people killed. Trump is openly considering a military strike against Nicolás Maduro, flanked by the designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. Europe is meanwhile focused on Geneva, where talks on the US peace proposal for Ukraine continue, even though it requires Ukraine to give parts of its territory to Moscow. Pressure is rising on all fronts, but Washington is clearly opting for determination rather than restraint.

Pentagon moves into open conflict - investigation into Senator Mark Kellyy

That the Pentagon would publicly target a sitting senator would once have been unthinkable. Now Mark Kelly, a former Marine pilot and astronaut, is under investigation over a video in which he urges soldiers to refuse unlawful orders. The Defense Department refers to a law that allows retired officers to be returned to service to face military court. The tone is sharp: they speak of endangering discipline and loyalty. The move shows how far the military leadership in Trump’s second term has shifted from its earlier political restraint - and how openly confrontation is now being carried out.

Judge stops Trump’s prosecutions - the cases against Comey and James collapse!

A federal judge has thrown out the charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The reason strikes at the heart of the Trump administration: the special prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, was in the court’s view appointed unlawfully. The decision is a rare and direct blow to the president’s political prosecutions and reveals how hastily the administration tried to install a loyal lawyer willing to pursue the cases at any cost. With the ruling, another brick falls out of the attempt to criminally target senior officials and critics. The decision may carry lasting consequences - and shows how shaky the legal foundation of these campaigns has been. With Halligan’s disqualification, another name joins the list of those whose appointment has already failed in court. The judge criticized not only the appointment but also the political influence that led to the case. For the Trump administration this is a serious setback: its strategy of using investigations against political opponents is once again blocked by the judiciary. For Comey and James, this ends a chapter that many saw as pure retaliation. For the Justice Department, the bitter truth remains that even political force cannot hide a lack of legality. See also our article: “James Comey: A case on the edge - and a judge who speaks of misconduct by the Justice Department” - under the link: https://kaizen-blog.org/en/james-comey-ein-verfahren-am-abgrund-und-ein-richter-der-von-fehlverhalten-des-justizministeriums-spricht/

US designates Venezuela’s Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization

The Trump administration has officially designated the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. The step targets Nicolás Maduro directly, even though the structure is not a classic cartel but a network of military officers, police officials and government figures entangled since the 1990s in drug trafficking, illegal mining and fuel smuggling. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke of “terrorist violence”, while critics argue that the label mainly serves political pressure. The decision appears to prepare further measures at a time when Washington is building up military power in the Caribbean and increasingly targeting Maduro’s inner circle. The designation was published Monday in the Federal Register.

Mamdani contradicts Trump even after their friendly meeting

Zohran Mamdani stands by his view that Trump behaved like a despot - despite their unusually friendly meeting at the White House. On “Meet the Press”, the incoming mayor of New York made clear that a polite smile changes nothing about his opinion. Trump had called him a “100 percent Communist Lunatic” after his election victory. Mamdani continues to see the president as a danger to democratic institutions and said that polite gestures do not disguise that. The meeting rather showed how eager Trump is to enforce the appearance of harmony with his critics.

Trump and Xi discuss Taiwan, Ukraine and trade

Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping spoke by phone on Monday about Taiwan, Ukraine and trade. Xi emphasized that the “return of Taiwan” is part of the postwar order and referred to the shared legacy of World War II. The United States confirmed the call but gave no details. Japan had recently signaled that it might intervene militarily should China act against Taiwan. Concrete agreements on trade did not emerge, even though Washington is in urgent need of a course correction in the agricultural sector. The exchange points to rising tensions that both sides publicly cover with diplomatic routine.

Top General Caine visits US troops in the Caribbean

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited US troops in Puerto Rico and on a warship while Trump considers possible military action against Venezuela. The United States has concentrated an unusually large fleet in the region and has already destroyed more than twenty suspected smuggling boats, killing over eighty people. Officially the mission targets drug operations, but the timing greatly increases pressure on Maduro. Observers describe a show of force that goes far beyond maritime patrols.

Airlines halt flights to Venezuela after FAA warning

Several international airlines have suspended flights to Venezuela after the US Federal Aviation Administration warned of acute risks in the country’s airspace. The agency cited unclear threats that could endanger aircraft both in the air and on the ground. TAP, LATAM, Avianca, Iberia, Gol and Caribbean Air halted operations, and Turkish Airlines is pausing from November 24 to 28. The security situation is deteriorating alongside Washington’s pressure campaign, leaving Venezuela increasingly isolated.

California’s governor race descends into political chaos

California is assembling what may be the most unpredictable field of candidates in decades: former presidential hopefuls, a sheriff, two women with real chances, a former cabinet secretary and several billionaires. The campaign has not officially begun, yet scandals and internal breakdowns already dominate the landscape. The departure of Gavin Newsom leaves a power vacuum that extends far beyond the state. The winner will inherit a national stage - and all signs point to a turbulent and chaotic election season.

Warnings over weakened US election security agency

The cybersecurity agency CISA, responsible for protecting elections since 2018, was notably absent during recent voting cycles. Budget cuts and staffing losses under Trump have created large gaps. States must now decide on their own how to guard against attacks or disinformation. The 2026 midterms face elevated risk, since the agency had previously identified vulnerabilities and helped develop emergency plans. Many election officials are alarmed as essential security structures fall away.

Trump’s task force overwhelms Memphis - thousands arrested within weeks

The Safe Task Force launched by Trump has arrested around 2,800 people in Memphis since late September and issued more than 28,000 traffic citations. The massive operation aims to curb crime but is overwhelming courts and jails. The already overcrowded detention center is approaching a long-term crisis, cases are piling up and judges warn of months of delays. The involvement of the National Guard underscores the exceptional nature of the operation. The city is experiencing a security crackdown that shows short term strength but pushes the entire justice system to its limits.

JFK granddaughter breaks her silence – and directs harsh words at RFK Jr.!!

Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of John F. Kennedy, has made public that she is terminally ill with leukemia. The diagnosis struck her after the birth of her second child, when an unusually high white blood cell count was detected. Since then she has fought her way through chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants and several clinical trials in which doctors told her she might have a year left. Schlossberg writes openly about her fear that her children might forget her. At the same time she criticizes her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who as Health Secretary has cut funding for mRNA research – technologies that could one day help with cancer as well. For her it is a political slap in the face to all those who rely on medical progress. Her words hit a government that likes to present itself as family oriented, while a Kennedy daughter is fighting for her life.

California's governor race becomes a political powder keg!!

The succession of Gavin Newsom has triggered a field of candidates the likes of which California has not seen in decades. Members of Congress, former cabinet officials, two potential first female candidates, a sheriff and several millionaires are competing for the same office. The job is seen as a national power post, and many contenders are already thinking about Washington. But the opening phase has been rough: Katie Porter faltered after a failed interview, while former minister Xavier Becerra came under pressure due to a scandal involving a former staffer. Antonio Villaraigosa is trying to position himself in the political center, and Tom Steyer promises to break with powerful utilities. With a divided field, two candidates could reach the runoff with little more than 20 percent. Despite democratic dominance the race remains open – and unpredictable.

Sanna Marin's clarity – and the silence of those who should know better

While people argue about “peace plans” as if they were tactical options on a conference table, Finland's former Prime Minister Sanna Marin has said a sentence that cuts through all the talk. “The way out of this conflict is for Russia to leave Ukraine. That is the way out of this conflict.” No platitudes, no diplomatic chessboard – only the simple truth that many governments have long pushed aside for political convenience. In Kyiv this sentence meets a bitter reality. While people mourn their dead, while mass graves and destroyed houses stand as witnesses, others talk about shifting borders and concessions as if suffering could be managed like an administrative file. Marin's words remind us that peace is not about rewarding aggression or urging victims to give in, but about holding perpetrators accountable.

That a former head of government from the north speaks more clearly than those who stand in front of cameras every day says much about the state of international politics. And even more about the courage it takes to say the obvious that so many do not want to hear.

A G20 summit without the US – and an Africa that suddenly stands at the center

The G20 summit in Johannesburg closes without the United States, which is supposed to take over the presidency. The Trump administration boycotted the summit with the accusation that South Africa persecutes the white minority – a claim that no other country confirmed. While President Ramaphosa strikes the traditional gavel, the US seat remains empty, and the handover will have to take place later. The remaining states adopted a declaration focusing on debt burdens, climate damage and global inequality – points Washington had previously blocked. For many states the summit was a rare moment in which Africa acted not only as host but as agenda setter. France's President Macron called it an important milestone while admitting that the G20 can hardly influence geopolitical crises anymore. But the image from Johannesburg is clear: the US isolates itself – and others fill the space.

The day Trump’s online machine stumbled

The Oval Office appearance of Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani was supposed to be a triumph for the right wing internet world – a clash, a victory photo, another ritual of drawing lines. Instead, the meeting triggered something that has become rare in the MAGA scene: confusion, silence, evasions. The scene that usually celebrates every gesture of the president could not find a unified tone. Some ducked away, others scrambled to find an interpretation that did not look ridiculous. Trump praised Mamdani and said he could “do a very good job.” With that, the enemy image that the right wing influencer world had built for months collapsed. In the usual channels, the sense of direction fell apart. Some claimed Trump simply did not want to humiliate Mamdani in public. Others called it “humor.” Still others waited, as if a line first had to be decided before they were allowed to react.

Nick Fuentes used the moment for his own agenda. For him, the meeting was proof that the leadership of the MAGA scene does not believe what it spreads. He called it a show, a performance without inner substance. Meanwhile, Jack Posobiec tried to score points in the Oval Office by provoking Mamdani with a question about property taxes – and received approval from those who were desperately searching for a moment of toughness. Laura Loomer continued to insult Mamdani, but hurried to emphasize that she was “of course not criticizing the president.” That exact balancing act now runs through the entire scene. The tensions over the Epstein files, over Israel, over economic promises, over antisemitism have been simmering for weeks. The meeting in the Oval Office has added a new fracture line.

And then came Steve Bannon. On “War Room,” he tried to save the image by claiming that Trump’s friendly tone was a strategic trap. Mamdani would fail, he said, and Trump was letting him proceed so he could expose him later. But Bannon’s tone revealed something else: wounded pride. Posobiec even said Mamdani’s “little smile” had impressed Trump – whereupon Bannon corrected him: “That’s not a smile. That’s a smirk.” The day in the Oval Office did not bring fireworks. It brought something much more uncomfortable for the movement: a moment in which it did not know how to behave. And that is exactly why it will remain.

Tea drinkers pay the price – Trump's tariffs hit everyday life

American tea dealers report rising prices, shrinking selections and difficult calculations. Trump's new tariffs have driven up import costs and forced sellers to delay shipments, freeze hiring and stop advertising. Some varieties disappear from shelves because they are no longer profitable. A long-established importer has already closed, overwhelmed by tariffs and storage costs. While Trump has eased some agricultural tariffs, much of the burden on tea remains. Sellers warn that the price increases of 2025 are only the beginning, because tariffed stock from previous months will affect the market for another year. For many small shops this is an existential threat – and for American tea culture a setback caused by political arbitrariness.

Ty Cobb breaks his silence – and hits the sore spot of US democracy

When a former White House lawyer calls a president “evil,” even a worn-out America listens. Ty Cobb, once part of Trump's own defense line, now says openly that the Constitution was not made to stop a president who does not exercise power but abuses it. “Trump's abuse of power is unprecedented,” he says – a sentence that echoes through Washington like an alarm. Cobb does not speak as a political opponent but as someone who saw the mechanics of this presidency from the inside. His warning is directed at a country that has relied too long on the idea that norms are stronger than the will of an individual. The past years have shown how brittle that trust is.

In a time when courts, agencies and even the military are meant to become instruments of political loyalty, Cobb’s statement sounds like a sober reminder that democracy is not a given. It holds only as long as enough people are willing to defend it.

Slovenia rejects assisted dying law – a nation struggles with its stance

In Slovenia voters have rejected a law allowing assisted dying for terminally ill patients. Fifty-three percent voted against it, suspending the regulation. The law would have allowed people of sound mind and without hope of recovery to take a lethal medication themselves after medical review and consultation. Conservative groups, parts of the medical community and the Catholic Church opposed the reform and advocated strengthening palliative care instead. The government expressed disappointment but stressed that the issue is not settled. Supporters point to neighboring countries such as Austria where similar laws already exist. The vote shows how deeply the debate over self-determination, dignity and the end of life divides society.

Flight cancellations to Venezuela – FAA warns of military risk

Several international airlines have suspended their flights to Venezuela after the US Federal Aviation Administration warned of potential dangers in Venezuelan airspace. The reasons lie in increasing military activity and a range of unclear threats that could endanger aircraft during takeoff, landing and even on the ground. Airlines from Europe and Latin America reacted within hours, some with indefinite cancellations. The warning comes amid rising tensions as the Trump administration increases pressure on Maduro and expands US military presence in the Caribbean. Colombia's President Petro criticized the development, saying countries should not be “blocked” because that harms people, not governments. The cancellations show how fragile the situation in Venezuela is – and how quickly international mobility can be curtailed by geopolitics.

Sacramento wants to drop an outdated comic ban – a city corrects its past

Since 1949 Sacramento has had a law banning the sale of comics depicting crime to minors. For decades it did not matter, no one enforced it – but it stayed on the books. Now the city wants to repeal the ban and introduce a “Comic Book Week.” Artists, store owners and the American Library Association argue that comics have long been a recognized medium that encourages children to read and makes complex topics accessible. The law stems from an era when comics were seen as a moral threat and local governments even set up review boards. Today it feels like a glimpse into another world. For many in Sacramento, lifting the ban is a step toward strengthening cultural freedom – and a counter signal to modern book bans in other parts of the US.

British Navy intercepts Russian warships – activity rises sharply

The British Navy has intercepted a Russian corvette and a tanker passing through the English Channel. According to the Defense Ministry, Russian naval activity in British waters has increased by 30 percent over the past two years. HMS Severn tracked both ships until handing over to a NATO partner off the coast of Brittany. At the same time Britain is monitoring Russian activity in the North Atlantic with Poseidon aircraft stationed in Iceland. Tensions rose recently after a Russian intelligence ship allegedly aimed lasers at British pilots – an act London called “dangerous.” Defense Secretary Healey warned Moscow that Britain would respond to any attempted breach. Behind the strong words stands a country preparing for its next budget and debating higher defense spending.