The United States is increasing pressure on Venezuela, sanctioning three nephews of First Lady Cilia Flores, two of whom are known narcotics smugglers. It comes after the United States seized an oil tanker with alleged links to terrorist groups. Venezuela calls the action piracy, while the White House says the United States intends to keep the oil from the vessel.

The Indiana State Senate voted down a new congressional map yesterday 31-19, that would have favored Republicans. That’s despite having a 40-10 Republican super-majority in the chamber. The redrawn map would have given Indiana Republicans all nine of the state’s U.S. House seats, two more than what they currently have. Republicans and Democrats are separated by just three seats in the U.S. House, and redistricting could determine control of the chamber in the 2026 midterms.

Days of torrential rain have triggered historic flooding in Washington state, leaving families stranded, sweeping away homes, and prompting rescues. Tens of thousands remain under evacuation orders. The storms have shut roads and halted Amtrak service between Seattle and Vancouver. Officials warn the powerful atmospheric river is pushing rivers toward record levels.