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Today’s top stories

The Trump management says the U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker linked to Venezuela. This action is the latest in the Trump administration‘s pressure campaign against venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government. The move is also part of the administration’s effort to enforce a blockade against sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela.

🎧 A U.S. official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, informed NPR yesterday that the Coast Guard was in “active pursuit of a ship.” The official described the tanker as a dark fleet vessel that was attempting to illegally evade sanctions.Dark fleet vessels use deceptive practices like flying fake national flags to hide where they’ve been and where they are going, NPR’s Carrie Kahn tells Up First.Last week, President Trump threatened Venezuela with a total blockage and said more military pressure would come unless it returns the assets, including oil, that it stole from the U.S. Venezuela denies stealing anything and says Trump just wants the country’s natural resources and vast oil reserves.

New Orleans Celebrates a Resilient Christmas After Ida

New Orleans, LA – Just over a year after Hurricane Ida ravaged the Louisiana coast, the city of New Orleans is embracing the Christmas spirit with a renewed sense of hope and resilience.While the scars of the storm are still visible, the city is adorned with festive lights, decorated trees, and a palpable determination to celebrate despite the challenges.

The recovery from Ida has been a long and arduous process. Many residents are still rebuilding their homes and lives, and the economic impact continues to be felt. Though, the outpouring of support from across the country, coupled with the unwavering spirit of the local community, has fueled the city’s comeback.

“This Christmas feels different,” says local resident Marie LeBeau. “Last year, we were just trying to survive. This year, we’re celebrating survival.We’re celebrating community. We’re celebrating the fact that we’re still here.”

Traditional New Orleans Christmas celebrations are in full swing. Caroling in Jackson Square, Reveillon dinners – a Creole tradition dating back to the 19th century – and bonfires on the levees are drawing crowds. Local businesses, many of which suffered significant damage during the storm, are reporting a boost in sales as residents and tourists alike seek to support the city’s economic recovery.

The city’s iconic Celebration in the Oaks, a dazzling display of lights in City Park, is back and bigger than ever, offering a beacon of joy during the holiday season. Organizers say the event is a symbol of New Orleans’ enduring spirit.

“We wanted to create something truly special this year,” explains Celebration in the oaks director,Paul Lambert.”Something that would remind people of the beauty and magic of New Orleans, and the strength of our community.”

This Christmas in New Orleans is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the city’s ability to overcome adversity and a powerful reminder of the importance of community, hope, and resilience. It’s a Christmas that will be remembered for years to come.

## New Orleans Musicians Share Their Favorite Christmas Songs

When you picture New Orleans music, Christmas carols are probably not the first genre that comes to mind. You likely associate the Big Easy with brass bands and bounce, but many local musicians have deep roots in the church. This Christmas, NPR network station WWNO’s Rosemary Westwood chatted with a few of the city’s favorite stars from jazz singer John Boutte to bounce queen of New Orleans Big Freedia about which holiday songs they like to listen to around this time. Listen to the full segment here.

Sean Gardner/Getty Images; Nelson Cosey; Josh Brasted/Getty Images for Essence

Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Cheer: How to Avoid Holiday Scams

The holidays are a time for joy, generosity, and connection. Unfortunately, they’re also a prime time for scammers looking to take advantage of the season’s spirit. with increased online shopping, travel, and charitable giving, opportunities for fraud abound. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims this holiday season.

Common Holiday Scams to Watch Out For:

* Fake Shipping Notifications: You receive a text or email claiming there’s a problem with a delivery, asking you to click a link to update your data. This link frequently enough leads to a phishing site designed to steal your login credentials or financial details.
* Phishing Emails & Texts: Scammers send emails or texts disguised as legitimate companies (like Amazon, FedEx, or your bank) requesting personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers.
* Holiday Deals That Are Too good to Be True: Unbelievably low prices on popular items are a red flag. These offers frequently enough lead to fake websites or requests for upfront payment for goods that will never arrive.
* Fake Charities: Scammers create fake charities that mimic legitimate organizations, preying on your generosity. They may use names similar to well-known charities or appeal to current events.
* Rental Scams: If you’re traveling, be wary of suspiciously low prices for vacation rentals. Scammers may list properties they don’t own or ask for payment through unconventional methods.
* Gift Card Scams: Scammers ask you to purchase gift cards and provide the codes,frequently enough under the guise of helping a family member in need or paying a supposed debt.
* Social media Scams: Fake contests or giveaways on social media platforms can be used to collect your personal information or trick you into clicking malicious links.

How to Protect Yourself:

* Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications: Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails or texts from unknown senders.
* Verify information Directly: If you receive a suspicious email or text from a company, contact them directly through their official website or phone number. Do not use the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
* Shop Securely Online: Look for “https” in the website address and a padlock icon in the address bar before entering any personal or financial information.
* Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use a different password for each of your online accounts and make them arduous to guess. Consider using a password manager.
* Be Careful with Charitable Donations: Research charities before donating to ensure they are legitimate. Use resources like Charity Navigator or GuideStar.
* Pay with Credit Cards: Credit cards offer more protection against fraud than debit cards or wire transfers.
* Be Wary of Pressure Tactics: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a quick decision. Take your time and think things through.
* Keep Your Software Updated: Ensure your computer, smartphone, and antivirus software are up to date to protect against malware and viruses.
* trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to walk away from a suspicious situation.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed:

* Report the Scam: File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
* Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: Instantly report any fraudulent charges.
* Change Your Passwords: Update the passwords for all of your online accounts.
* Monitor Your Credit Report: Check your credit report for any unauthorized activity.

By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and happy holiday season without falling victim to scams.

Holiday Scams Are on the rise: Here’s how to Protect yourself

The holiday season is a time for joy, gift-giving, and spending time with loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for scammers.They take advantage of the season’s generosity and the hustle and bustle to trick people out of their money and personal information. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe this year.

What kinds of scams are common during the holidays?

Scammers employ a variety of tactics during the holidays, including:

* Fake Shipping Notifications: You might receive a text message or email claiming to be from UPS or FedEx, requesting you to update your shipping information or pay a small fee. This is often a phishing attempt to steal your personal and financial details.
* Counterfeit Goods: Online marketplaces can be flooded with fake or low-quality products, especially electronics and designer items.
* Gift Card Scams: Scammers may tamper with gift cards or sell fake ones. they also exploit online marketplaces to request payment via gift cards, a red flag for fraud.
* Charity Scams: Fake charities emerge, preying on people’s desire to give back during the holidays.
* Vendor Fraud: New or unfamiliar online vendors may not deliver the goods you paid for or might potentially be selling substandard products.

How can you protect yourself?

Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of holiday scams:

* Research Vendors: Before using a vendor that is new to you, search their name plus “scam,” “fraud,” and “complaint” to see other customers’ experiences. Use this information as a guide.
* Be Wary of Unexpected Messages: If an unexpected text from UPS or FedEx requests your personal information, contact the company’s customer service line separately and confirm that a package is indeed coming your way.
* Inspect Gift Cards: Avoid fake gift cards by buying the ones that are close to the front of the store and have more eyes on them. You can also purchase electronic gift cards instead of physical ones.
* Be Careful with Online Purchases: Only shop on secure websites (look for “https” in the URL) and use strong,unique passwords.
* Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: Be cautious of links in emails or text messages, especially if they ask for personal information.
* Verify Charities: Before donating to a charity, research it to ensure it’s legitimate.
* Be Skeptical of Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True: If a price seems unbelievably low, it probably is.

For more on what holiday scams to be aware of this season, listen to this episode of NPR’s Life Kit. Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.

The Lumbee Tribe’s Long Fight for Full Federal Recognition Nears an End

For over a century, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has sought full federal recognition from the United States government. After decades of partial recognition and persistent advocacy,that goal is now within reach. The tribe’s quest highlights the complex and often fraught history of Native American relations with the U.S., and the ongoing struggle for tribal sovereignty.

A History of partial Recognition

The Lumbee Tribe is the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi River, with over 59,000 enrolled members. Despite a distinct culture and a continuous presence in the Robeson County region of North Carolina for centuries,the tribe has faced significant hurdles in achieving full federal recognition.

In 1885, the North Carolina legislature formally recognized the Lumbee, but this state recognition did not confer the same rights and benefits as federal recognition. Throughout the 20th century, the Lumbee repeatedly petitioned the federal government for full recognition, only to be met with delays, changing criteria, and ultimately, denial.

A key sticking point has been the issue of “termination,” a federal policy in the mid-20th century that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into mainstream society by ending federal recognition and trust relationships with tribes. While the Lumbee were never officially terminated, they were subjected to similar pressures and faced challenges in proving their continuous tribal existence to meet evolving federal standards.

What Does Full Federal Recognition Mean?

Full federal recognition would grant the Lumbee Tribe a government-to-government relationship with the united States. This would unlock a range of benefits, including:

* Land into Trust: The ability to place land into trust for the tribe, allowing for greater self-determination and economic development.
* Federal Funding: Access to federal programs and funding available to federally recognized tribes, including resources for education, healthcare, housing, and economic development.
* Sovereignty: Enhanced tribal sovereignty and the right to self-governance.
* Cultural Preservation: Increased resources for preserving and promoting Lumbee language, culture, and traditions.

Recent Developments and the Path Forward

In January 2023, the Biden administration signaled its support for the Lumbee Tribe’s full federal recognition. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) published a Notice of Intent to publish a final determination of federal recognition in the Federal Register. This followed years of advocacy from the Lumbee Tribe, North carolina’s congressional delegation, and various stakeholders.

As of December 22,2025,the final determination is still pending,but the BIA has indicated a commitment to finalizing the process. The Lumbee Tribe is actively preparing for the responsibilities and opportunities that full federal recognition will bring, including developing a strategic plan for economic development and self-governance.

Challenges Remain

While the prospect of full federal recognition is cause for celebration, challenges remain. some local communities have expressed concerns about the potential impact of tribal sovereignty on local governance and tax revenues. Addressing these concerns through open dialog and collaboration will be crucial to ensuring a smooth transition and fostering positive relationships between the Lumbee Tribe and its neighboring communities.

The Lumbee Tribe’s long fight for federal recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of Native American communities, and the ongoing need for the United States to honor its trust responsibilities to tribal nations.