NIGER 🇳🇪 There are reports circulating that on December 17, 2024, the Niger-Benin pipeline was bombed between Lido and Karakara in the Dosso region. As a result, the pipeline is not operational.

The bombing raises concerns about the future of the Chinese investment into building the Trans-Sahara pipeline from Algeria worth $13B as well as the Morocco-Nigeria pipeline worth $25B.

BREAKING 🚨 George Stephanopoulos has reportedly signed a new multi-year contract to stay with ABC News, despite previous rumors spawned by Variety. (LA Times)

BREAKING 🚨 THE SUPREME COURT HAS AGREED TO DECIDE WHETHER THE BAN OF TIKTOK VIOLATES THE FIRST AMENDMENT.

NEW — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken alleges that the U.S. has evidence of Chinese attempts to "influence and arguably interfere" with the upcoming elections, despite an earlier commitment from leader Xi Jinping not to do so. (CNN)

REPORT — President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to the United States scheduled for May 9 has been postponed.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will arrive in Turkey today to meet with Erdoğan. Rutte, who is a candidate to become NATO secretary general, is expected to ask Erdogan for support.

President Donald J. Trump to Hold a Rally in Wilmington, North Carolina 7:00 PM EThttps://event.donaldjtrump.com/events/president-donald-j-trump-to-hold-a-rally-in-wilmington-north-carolina