PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP (Shutterstock).

A blockade on all “sanctioned oil tankers” from Venezuela has been ordered by President Donald Trump.

The Associated Press is reporting that this action comes after American military forces seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. In a social media post on Tuesday night, the president alleged that Venezuela was using the sale of petroleum to finance drug trafficking.

He also said that the South American country should give the U.S. “oil, land and assets” that Venezuela “previously stole from us.”

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro replied that “We have taken a oath to defend our homeland, and that on this soil peace and shared happiness triumph.”

Nick Reiner charged with murder of parents

Rick Reiner, the son of his famous father and mother, will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder with sentencing enhancements for multiple victims.

According to The New York Times, he is accused of fatally stabbing Rob Reiner, an actor, director and producer and wife Michele Singer Reiner.

If convicted he could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges. The victims were killed with a knife, although it remains unclear whether the victims died on Saturday or Sunday.

It’s been reported that the young Reiner had “struggled with addiction for years.”

No House vote on Obamacare subsidies?

The House of Representatives won’t be voting on an amendment to renew subsidies for Obamacare – formally the “Affordable Care Act.”

According to United Press International, the result is that health insurance premiums will increase in 2026.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) said that an amendment wouldn’t be put to a vote because the two parties couldn’t agree.

Reportedly, some Republicans were insisting they couldn’t support the subsidies unless offsetting budget cuts were made elsewhere in the federal budget.

Weather: Some chill, some warmth

Up-and-down describes the weather as we head toward the weekend in our West Orange County cities. The daytime high on Wednesday should be 67 with an overnight low of 52 with morning clouds and afternoon sun. Thursday is expected to warm to a high of 76 and a low of 51 with partly cloudy skies. Friday will cool to 71 (51), also with cloudy skies. Saturday will be chillier to 66 (51) with morning fog followed by sun.

Great Thoughts

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

“The world can’t save itself. That’s the message of Christmas.” – Timothy Keller

“Peace on Earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day” – Helen Steiner Rice.