This Morning’s Top Headlines – Dec. 12 | Morning News NOW

International Relations & Geopolitics - The Trump administration is increasing pressure on Venezuela, including seizing an oil tanker in international waters, but denies this is an act of war [1] - The US intends to seize oil from sanctioned vessels to combat narco-terrorism and illegitimate regimes [1] - President Trump is considering expanding military operations against drug traffickers to include land operations, potentially impacting relations with countries like Colombia [1] US Politics & Policy - President Trump is pressuring Republicans to redraw congressional maps, but Indiana's Republican-controlled state senate rejected the plan [1] - The Justice Department failed to indict New York Attorney General Leticia James on mortgage fraud charges for the second time [1] - Senate rejected both Democratic and Republican healthcare proposals, potentially leading to the expiration of Obamacare subsidies [2] - Discussions are ongoing in the House to cobble together a healthcare package, but extending Obamacare subsidies is uncertain [2] - Republicans are mostly supporting Trump's actions in Venezuela, while Democrats are calling for congressional approval [3] Legal & Justice System - Kilmar Abrego Garcia was released from ICE custody after being wrongfully deported, but faces an ICE check-in and human smuggling charges [2] - A judge ordered Kilmar Garcia's release because there was no final order of removal [2] - Luigi Manion's pre-trial hearing, concerning the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, focuses on the admissibility of evidence from a backpack search [6] - The defense in the Manion case argues that the search of the backpack was unlawful and required a warrant [6][7] Weather & Natural Disasters - Catastrophic flooding in the Pacific Northwest has forced nearly 100,000 people to flee their homes [3] - Rivers in Washington State have crested at record levels, but residents are warned to remain on alert [3] - Winter alerts are in effect for 25 million people across the eastern US, with potential for significant snowfall [5] - Temperatures in the northern plains feel as low as -34°F [-36.7°C], with a cold weather pattern expected to persist [5] Sports & Investigations - Michigan football head coach Chiron Moore was fired after an internal investigation found credible evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member [11][14] - Chiron Moore was detained as part of an assault investigation, with police responding to a 911 call [11][12]